Prince Harry and South Pole trek teammates reach starting line to get expedition underway

After extreme weather conditions caused them to be snowed in at base camp for days, Prince Harry and his Walking for the Wounded teammates have finally reached the starting point of their South Pole expedition.

Before setting off, the third-in-line and the trekkers – teams from the UK, US and the Commonwealth – had hoped to undertake skiing training at the starting line.

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But bad weather and high winds left the three groups largely confined to their basic blocks at Novolazarevskaya Station in temperatures of -10C (14F).

Now weather has improved, they can finally set off on the first stage of their 208 mile journey.

As he prepared for the gruelling trek, Harry revealed in an interview what his family thought of his involvement with the project.

The soldier Prince joked that William was “jealous” of him as he would love to get away from his “screaming child” Prince George.

On a more serious note he also told how his dad Prince Charles was worried about the dangers he would face.

In an interview with Sky News, Harry – who trekked to the North Pole with Walking for the Wounded in 2011 said: “My father was a little concerned, but I obviously tried to keep him calm and explain the North Pole was the dangerous one because we’re walking on a frozen ocean whereas this time there are crevasses.

“But hopefully the guides will take us around that. Apart from frostbite you should be able to look after yourself as long as you just head south.”

The Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge 2013, of which Harry is a proud patron, will see participants of largely wounded ex-servicemen and women race over a 208-mile course to the South Pole.

Harry said: “Every single person who takes part in this challenge is extraordinary. The fact these guys have made it to this point is extraordinary and I count myself incredibly lucky to be part of it.”